We are set to close on our house in about three weeks and one of the problems that the inspector noted was that the vent in the guest bath vents into the attic (never going outside) and the master bath does not have a vent at all.
We do not have much experience with DIY home repairs, but would like to do as much ourselves as is feasible so we have a better understanding of the house and how it works.
First of all, how simple would it be to extend the vent from the attic to the outside, and what would we need to do so without causing additional problems with the roof, and secondly, how easy is it to install a vent in a bathroom that does not have one?
Best Answer
Congratulations on your new place! Installing a bath fan is a somewhat ambitious project for a novice DIYer. You have to:
The biggest challenges here are usually in the vent installation. If you can go out through a wall or gable, a vent can be easy to install, just requiring a round hole and some caulk. If you have to go up through the roof, there are a number of subtle ways you could install the vent incorrectly that would not be immediately obvious but would increase your chances of a future roof leak significantly. Try searching the site for "roof vent flashing". Also, depending on the height and angle of your roof, you should think about whether you're able to climb up safely.
The other potential issue is the electrical. Like roofing, it's easy to make a mistake that you might not notice for a while, but the risk is more severe as you could create a fire. You could also make a mistake that shocks and injures you. So if you are really new I'd recommend you start by learning how to safely do things like replace outlets and light fixtures first.
Most of all, make sure you take the time to understand what you are doing. A challenge is always fun, but you will probably have plenty more opportunities!